Pretoria - Transport Minister Sibusiso Ndebele has called for a speedy investigation into the cause of the Rovos Rail accident on Wednesday.
The accident left two people dead and scores injured.
Following the incident, Ndebele assured South Africans, as well as international visitors, that the accident was an isolated one and would not have an impact on the integrated transport plan that the department is in the process of operationalising ahead of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, or the country's ability and readiness to host the tournament.
"We wish to convey our condolences to the families and relatives of those killed in the Rovos Rail train accident.
"I have spoken with both the Managing Director of Rovos Rail and the CEO of the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) to provide the necessary collective support as the Rail Family.
"We have called upon the Rail Safety Regulator to speed up their investigation into the circumstances which led to this tragic accident," he said.
As a result of the accident, there will be disruptions to train services between Johannesburg and Pretoria.
Meanwhile, the United States Embassy in South Africa has sent condolences to the families of those killed in the accident.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with the people impacted by this accident. We want to thank the South African emergency response and others who assisted immediately, and we will continue working closely with South African authorities to help the affected Americans," US Ambassador Donald H. Gips said.
